Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Catherine McKinnell and Chris Murray

Tuesday 15th September 2026 Commons Chamber

[Chris Murray (Edinburgh East and Musselburgh) (Lab)]

10. What steps his Department is taking to use digital technology to improve prisons’ processes.

[The Minister for Prisons, Probation and Reducing Reoffending (Catherine McKinnell)]

The Prison Service absolutely needs to be modernised, which is why we are building new digital prison services that will support the transformation of core prison operations and offender management; developing tactical AI-enabled tools for frontline staff to improve accuracy and efficiency; and exploring the use of biometric technology to improve public safety.

[Chris Murray]

My city of Edinburgh is a world centre for innovation in digital technology, including in areas with applications in prisons. For example, the company VisionRF produces tech that monitors signs of self-harm in prisons, preventing suicides and deaths on the estate. What role does the Minister expect technology to play in improving long-term performance of prisons, and will officials engage with Edinburgh researchers? Although justice policy is devolved, tech and innovation learnings can be applied to all parts of the UK.

[Catherine McKinnell]

My hon. Friend raises an interesting case. There is so much work going on with technological development that can support a more efficient Prison Service. We are investing £82 million, following the Dame Lynne Owens review, because there was chronic under-investment by the previous Government in technology, and we want the Prison Service taken into this century and beyond.